Sunday Real Estate Guide Feature: 1 Bedroom Apartment in 544 Main Street, Beacon, NY

Time for the Sunday Real Estate Section:

A few rental apartments have become available in 544 Main Street - the building on the far end of Main Street above the Green Room salon and a free municipal parking lot. This apartment comes with a sun-filled deck outside with a view of Mount Beacon, and is near the Fishkill Creek and Roundhouse.

From Gate House Realty: “One-bedroom apartment in very desirable newer building on the East End of Main Street. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and laundry in basement. Approximately 550 sq feet. Pet friendly. Heat and hot water included. Available April 10th.”
PRICE: $1,650/month BEDROOMS: 1 BATHROOMS: 1
Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550
Details + Pictures >

Art & Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon At The Howland Public LIbrary

“How To Edit Wikipedia” is an event at the Howland Public Library to encourage women to make edits in Wikipedia, the content producers of which are traditionally men.

WHAT: Art & Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
WHERE: Howland Public Library
DAY: Saturday, March 2, 2019
TIME: 11 am to 3 pm

Happening today is the (so far) annual Wikipedia Editing event at the Howland Public Library during Women’s History Month. The class is provided as a means to encourage women especially to come out and edit Wikipedia, the group-sourced encyclopedia of the Internet. This local event is organized by local library advocate, Ms. Rajene Hardeman, as part of the international annual Art+Feminism campaign. As of last year, only 9% of the edits or contributions made to Wikipedia were made by women.

This can change! Half of the battle is probably not knowing where to start with how to edit. This class aims to change that. A tutorial of how to enter Wikipedia to make an edit kicks off the day, and from 12 to 3 pm, an open edit session happens, where people can sit and edit.

All people are encouraged to attend, regardless of gender, and bringing your own laptop is encouraged.

Last year, our writer Catherine Sweet wrote about the event for A Little Beacon Blog, and explored the gender gap in who is making the edits in this globally used information center.

Happening This Weekend - 3/1/2019

It may keep snowing, but summer planning has indeed started! The Beacon Recreation Department has just launched their online registration ability to sign up for the After School Program (childcare for elementary school students in Beacon's public school system), Camp at the Camp, and the Beacon Pool. Find out why this is a big deal. And did you know that Pool Memberships are already on sale? This year, you can buy them online. PS: Registration for Beacon's Camp at the Camp opens on Monday, March 11, 2019, and other camps have already started. Readers are using A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide right now to make their list of camps. Advertising opportunities on our Weekly Camp Planner and Guide are available, so contact us to get started to help your camp stand out with your logo, pictures and featured dates. And now, onto the Things To Do! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   Common Ground Farm presents “Get Picked” Day: Friday, March 1, 2019 Time: 8-11pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery, 7 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Opening Reception “Still, Still Moving” Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019 Time: 2:30-4:30pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Beacon Rising for the Article 20 Network Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019 Time: 1pm Location: The Towne Crier Cafe, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > 5 Years of Beacon Pantry Celebration Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019 Time: 2-5pm Location: Beacon Pantry, 382 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Improv Open Jam Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019 Time: 7-9pm Location: Beacon Performing Arts Center, 327B Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Blame It on The Bossa Nova: A Brazilian Cabaret! Day: Saturday, March 2, 2019 Time: 7:30 Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END     183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across the street from Artisan Wine Shop) SAVE THE DATE! March's Second Saturday at Luxe Optique Spend your second Saturday enjoying champagne, hors d'oeuvres, Glazed Over Donuts and the collectible line of luxury eyewear from The Leisure Society. 😎🍩🍾 Shane Baum, a former designer for Louis Vuitton, built his new eyewear line around the concept that frames are meant to last a lifetime. Beacon Trivia: The model in this photo (Teya) and the photographer (Ryon) both work at Luxe Optique. The photo was taken right outside the store on Main Street.     BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE   L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street What warms your heart and makes it do a pitter-patter on cold weekend afternoons? A SALE! Walk to the back of La Mère (across the street from the Beacon Theater), and you'll see the purging of some winter items and these collectible mugs. We've started collecting, and you should too. Don't miss the blue/green cactus mug. It's not pictured here, so you'll need to go inside to check it out in person. Or hit up La Mère's website if you're curious now!     BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) The silent yet stunning impact of a fitted silhouette is unforgettable. The fit and flare of this newest Justin Alexander gown at Lambs Hill has an exquisitely beaded top for a sparkly take on a classic gown. 💕✨💕 Loving this style? Call (845) 765-2900 to schedule an appointment! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! L a M è r e Clothing + Goods, Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books and Lambs Hill.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!   Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       Promote Your Artwork With Instagram Day: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Time: 5:45-7:30pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.   Imagination Design House Theater Design Grades: 3-8 Days: Mondays, March 4 to May 13, 2019 Time: 4:30-5:30pm Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.    Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 544 Main Street, Beacon, NY Apartment #12 A few apartments have become available in this building on the far end of Main Street, above the Green Room. (Hot tip: this salon is filled with talented stylists and amazing hair products, including the Moroccan oil hair mask conditioner.) This apartment comes with a sun-filled deck outside, and is near the Fishkill Creek and Roundhouse. From Gate House Realty: “One-bedroom apartment in very desirable newer building on the East End of Main Street. Bright unit with deck with mountain view. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and laundry in basement. Approximately 550 sq feet. Municipal (free) parking lot next to building. Pet friendly. Heat and hot water included. Available April 10th.” PRICE: $1,650/month  BEDROOMS: 1  BATHROOMS: 1 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   It's Responsible Pet Owners Month! Insuring the health and wellness of your furry friend is important. When it comes to insurance, we often think of our own health, life, home or auto insurance policies. We take extra care to make sure our beloved family members and most valued possessions are covered in the event of an illness, accident or loss. But what about our pets? Pet insurance pays for veterinary treatment of your ill or injured pet. Some policies may pay out if your pet gets into trouble. Details > Private Social Media Training Are you staring at your business's Instagram account, not knowing what to do? You see what others are posting, but can't think of one thing you could post that would represent your brand and bring you sales. The visual storytellers at Katie James, Inc. can help you change all that. Schedule A Session > One Idea Is All It Takes To Get Featured By The Media Do you dream of getting your business featured by the media? Are you trying to get the word out about a concept or movement? You can do this. We believe in you! It starts with the right idea, packaged into a little formula called a "pitch" to your intended person at the media outlet you want. The formula is: Subject Line + Winning Intro Paragraph + Bullet Points + Picture. Learn More > BeaconArts :: Open Studios A Little Beacon Blog just signed on as a proud sponsor of Beacon Open Studios! We are thrilled to support this project, which provides an inside look at artists in Beacon. Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor! >         A Little Beacon Space A Little Beacon Blog's Space is available for private rentals for your meetings, workshops, client parties, or pop-ups. Located in the heart of Beacon at 291 Main Street (inside of the Telephone Building), meeting here is easy, cozy, and inspiring. $275 Half Day $485 Full Day $850 Pop-Up Shop Package See Pictures > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Work with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to throw a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony if you're new in town, or just opened. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and broadcast your business! Learn More > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Registration Easier Now For Beacon Recreation Childcare, Camp and Pool Membership

Photo Credit: Screenshot of Beacon Recreation’s newsletter announcing the new online registration tool.

One wouldn’t think that the announcement of the City of Beacon Recreation’s new online registration and payment tool would warrant such celebration, but it is an enhancement that saves time for everyone. Several key elements of registration are now available in one place, including payment, emergency contact information, medical information, and more.

Visiting Beacon Rec headquarters is pleasant enough - driving or walking over to the Beacon Recreation Department at 23 West Center Street is always a pleasure, because one gets to see Heidi, Mark, Nate or other employees of the Beacon Rec Department. You might even run into members of Green Teen, who also have an office in the building. But if you, like many parents, are juggling a lot of to-dos, online registration relieves a measurable amount of stress - a worthy trade-off. Plus, you can always head over to the Beacon Recreation building and play at the South Street playground, sled down the hill, or shoot hoops or hit a tennis ball on the courts below.

Pre-Planning Time For Registration Cut In Half

The pre-planning to register is involved, as one needs to fill out emergency contact information for each child when registering them each quarter for the After School Program, a popular childcare program for Beacon’s elementary schools that runs from 3 to 6 pm. To keep up with the paperwork, I’ve actually made several backup emergency contact copies at home with our printer/copier, and I’ve felt quite pleased with myself for the advance prep.

“No need for that anymore,” says Nate Smith, City of Beacon Assistant Recreation Director. “Unless you change something, contact information will be the same. Pick your days of After School Program that you want to sign your children up for, and off you go.” Tuition assistance is available to qualifying families. So do inquire if you need that. Spots do fill up fast, and each quarter is a new signup even if you were already enrolled in the prior session.

For Camp at the Camp, the popular summer program from the Beacon Recreation Department, registration forms once again are involved, and this time they include medical information.” Unlike the contact info, you’ll still need to submit the medical forms each year, Nate says. “The medical forms are purged annually. The BOH requires one dated within the last year.”

Registration for Camp at the Camp opens on Monday, March 11, 2019, and last year, spaces filled up fast. With a keyboard on your side, you’ll get ahead (don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing camp options available for different schedules, themes and ages).

For the Pool Membership, this one is pretty easy. But if you put it off, as I did last year, you might miss out on the ability to have a summer pool membership, and end up limiting yourself (and your family) to the option of buying daily passes. With last year’s seemingly endless thunder rolls, which require everyone to clear the pool for 30 minutes, it can make paying for a day pass disheartening. Thunder can be such bummer if you need to leave the pool right after you paid for your family to get in, then you have to wait 30 minutes to get back in. (BTW, this thunder policy is the same at any pool, including Beacon’s River Pool and All Sport.) Tack on maybe another 30 minutes if another rumble of thunder happens. With the seasonal Pool Membership, no need to scrape together the dollars each time.

Register Here and Stay Connected

The link to register with the Beacon Recreation Department is here: https://beaconny.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

The Beacon Recreation Department is here to help if you need it: “If you have any trouble creating an account, or need assistance during this process, please stop by the Recreation Center at 23 West Center Street, Monday to Friday between 9am and 2pm and we will help you get your account set up!”

To get alerts directly from the Beacon Recreation Department, be sure you’re subscribed to their newsletter. You can subscribe to the Beacon Recreation newsletter here.

Upcoming Beacon Recreation Registration Dates

Oh man! Looks like the Pool Pass sales have already opened! Better register online quick! Important registration dates:

• Monday, February 11 - Beacon Pool Passes

• Monday, March 11 - Camp @ the Camp

• Wednesday, April 3- After School session 4

Bright Star Touring Theatre Comes To Beacon To Celebrate Black History - Free Performances

Photo Credit: Screenshot of the Bright Star Theatre’s website.

This just in from a flyer from the folders of Beacon’s elementary school kids:

The Bright Star Touring Theatre will be staging a free performance of “Black History Hall of Fame” on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 5:45 pm. This 45-minute production will take you on a fast-paced adventure through the Black History Hall of Fame, led by Dr. Daisy and Professor Paisley. Young audience volunteers and incredibly talented performers bring this show to life in every way. The Bright Star Theatre Group suggests this performance is best for kids in kindergarten to fifth grade.

After that performance, Bright Star will perform “Struggle For Freedom” at 7 pm. This 45-minute production seeks to honor the American Civil Rights Movement. With excerpts of famous speeches, Civil Rights-era songs and a variety of characters, this moving production has been hailed as one of “the finest touring shows available for a young audience.” The Bright Star Theatre Group suggests this performance for second graders through adults, but that is only a suggestion.

Both performances take place at Beacon High School, and are free of charge to the Beacon community!

Learn more about the Bright Star Theatre here. They are based in NC and tour all over the country.

Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Bright Star Theatre

Accidental Discovery of Mega-Artist Tara McPherson at Dogwood Yields Bookmark For Cookbook

Meal planning for Sunday dinner, placeholding with this art bookmark acquired at Dogwood during random Sunday night dinner in the kids section (aka the tables near the stage where the kids can dance, and we can only hope that no one else is in there yet). The artist is recent Beacon transplant Tara McPherson. Her art company is called Cotton Candy Machine, and the painting on the bookmark is called “Bloom.” The cookbook pictured here is Magnolia Table, purchased at Cracker Barrel on Route 9 during a pancake lunch post-doctor appointment. Beef for this bulgogi will be sourced from Barb’s Butchery on Sunday… Barb’s also has eggs for Sunday morning (or an upcoming snow/ice storm, so best stock up!).

WHoa - Tara McPherson!

And then Marilyn, A Little Beacon Blog’s Managing Editor - texted me to confirm: “Tara McPherson lives in Beacon!!?” So I took to scrambling into the artist’s website to learn more about her. OMG. This is why I love Beacon. You just never know who you’re going to meet! Tara has illustrated posters for Metallica, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, has collectible figures, and is just really fierce.

Here’s a few pictures of her art, and her process for setting up her studio since moving to Beacon:

Happening This Weekend - 2/22/2019

Happy Weekend Everyone! It's only February, but winter has felt rough - and it's been one heck of a week of snow days. But good things are happening: Summer Snowflakes, aka "snowdrops" as well as lilacs have breached the ground in Beacon. Here's a shout-out to the easy alert systems sent by the City of Beacon and the school district, and your easy access to some of the best and cutest winter boots (Mountain Tops), salt and shovels (Brett's Hardware), and chocolate (Chocolate Shop, Alps, any grocery store in town). Consider this our effort to mentally prepare you for the blizzard that usually happens in April! :) Remember that time there was a State Of Emergency declared after the blizzard in March and the National Guard came? And now, onto this week's Things To Do! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   13 the Musical Days: Thursday to Saturday, February 21-23, 2019 Time: 7 to 9:30 pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information > A Secret History of American River People Day: Friday, February 22, 2019 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Scenic Hudson (Red Barn), Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY Information > The Magic Lantern Day: Saturday, February 23, 2019 Time: 2 pm (doors), 2:30 pm (show) Location: Gallery at Boscobel House & Garden, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information > Beacon Screening and Q&A: "Wrestling Ghosts" Day: Saturday, February 23, 2019 Time: 5 to 7:30 pm Location: Story Screen, 445 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Hudson Valley Free Day at Dia:Beacon Day: Sunday, February 24, 2019 Time: 11 am to 4 pm Location: Dia:Beacon, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Information > Peace Project With The Folding Cranes 2019 Day: Sunday, February 24, 2019 Time: Noon to 3 pm Location: Beacon of Light Wellness Center, 4 S. Chestnut St., Beacon NY If you missed the folding paper cranes for peace event in A Little Beacon Space, now is your chance to go again at Beacon of Light Wellness Center! This is great, because if you haven't been into that yoga studio, which is near Rite Aid, this is your opportunity to see it. Read more about the Peace Project in this article. Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across the block from Beacon Bread Company) Remember that Giveaway Alert we ran last week, about the free handbag that you get when you purchase Emmanuelle Khanh frames? Well, turns out this handbag is actually a glasses purse - you can fit your frames inside of it! Genius. And right now, it's free with purchase of Emmanuelle Khanh frames. We are actually going to buy one for our Christian Roth prescription sunglasses that need better case protection while swimming in the mama purse.  See this in action on our YouTube channel!     BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE   L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street Oh, ladies. This new line of jewelry at La Mère is a Must.Have. Everything on this wooden tray is from the Beacon-based designer Tourmaline Home, who is based out of the old Nichols Hardware building. Did you always wonder what went on in there? Well, now you know. Lots of designing. Pillows too. And tiny coffee tables! Lots of it is in La Mère right now. Stop into her shop to check it out. PS: The photographer of these brown earrings may or may not have bought them immediately after photographing.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) Oh Lambs Hill, the styles just keep coming! A bride will feel like a member of an English high court. This Hayley Paige gown is made with Luxembourg material that shimmers with fully sequined embroidery. There's even a video about it that you can watch on Lambs Hill's Insta. Binnacle Books 321 Main Street SAVE THE DATE: Binnacle Books' Book Club is at a special time in March - the second week of March this time (normally the first Wednesday). The book will be Trevor Noah's Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood. Details > Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! L a M è r e Clothing + Goods, Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books and Lambs Hill.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!   Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       MVT 109 Day: Friday, February 22, 2019 Time: 6 to 7:15 pm Location: Namastesis, 1065 Main St., Suite H, Fishkill, NY Information > Turkish Marbling Master Class Day: Saturday, February 23, 2019 Time: 10 am to 3 pm Location: Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrisons Landing, Garrison, NY Information > (see other classes being held this weekend) Ballwork Bliss! The Yoga of Self-Massage Day: Sunday, February 24, 2019 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Beacon Yoga Center, 464 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.   For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.    Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 11 Creek Drive, Beacon, NY If a very hip and cool loft in a renovated factory building - with a view of a creek just before waterfalls - is your thing, then this penthouse in Beacon might be for you. Or your friend, so pass it on. Check out all of the pictures here. From Gate House Realty: “Gorgeous and luxurious penthouse loft in a recently converted brick factory building on the Fishkill Creek. Amenities include tasteful high-end lighting and custom closets throughout, washer/dryer, wine refrigerator, smart-technology for lights and sound (Sonos-compatible), remote-controlled window blinds, high cathedral ceilings, elevator, off-street parking.” PRICE: $1,100,000  BEDROOMS: 2  BATHROOMS: 2 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Fred Antalek Tapped To Be 2019 Grand Marshal in Parade of Green You know this face - Fred Antalek has been tapped to be the Grand Marshal in this year's Parade of Green. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2019. Details > Katie James, Inc. Designs & Launches Local La Mère Website Local boutique La Mère has been very successful with reaching out into the community to get to know the ladies and their men, and create a loyal relationship with customers. One of the most unexpected bits of feedback from customers, when told, "You could also find it online," is their response: "But I want to support YOU and buy it here in the store!" Which is awesome! What we're discovering is, people don't realize that the shop also has its own website where you can instantly buy something you love - even in the middle of the night after you see one of April's outfit mashup videos! Go Shop! > Beacon Locals To Appear On Tin Shingle's Next TuneUp Digital marketers based in Beacon - Patti Devine and Devin Holmes - will be on Tin Shingle's next free, live Training TuneUp to teach us How and Why to Create Facebook Ads. Now, Tin Shingle is not the biggest fan of Facebook, but if you wanted to know how to create an ad, this class will teach you. Free on Wednesday at 3 pm from your computer. You just need to click the link and watch. Details > BeaconArts :: Open Studios A Little Beacon Blog just signed on as a proud sponsor of Beacon Open Studios! We are thrilled to support this project, which gives an inside look at artists working in Beacon. Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor! >         A Little Beacon Space A Little Beacon Blog's Space is available for private rentals for your meetings, workshops, client parties, or pop-ups. Located in the heart of Beacon at 291 Main Street (inside of the Telephone Building), meeting here is easy, cozy, and inspiring. $275 Half Day $485 Full Day $850 Pop-Up Shop Package See Pictures > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Work with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to throw a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony if you're new in town, or just opened. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and broadcast your business! Learn More > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

The Beacon Theater Opens! Movies Now Playing On Main Street - Take Our Tour Through Pictures

The new 2019 Beacon Theater marquee (Top left) harks back to a more glamorous time. Note the boarded-up doors In the Photo at Top right, after the decline of Beacon from its glory years of the 1930s, to the depression it endured in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The reinvigorated Beacon Theater is located at 445 Main Street.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog

View from the storefront window of La MÈre Clothing and Goods, located across the street from the theater. She published it on her Instagram. Someone is excited!

The wait is over for one of the most anticipated Main Street openings - the Beacon Theater at 445 Main Street is now open, the marquee lights are on, the popcorn is popping, and the movies are playing.

The building that houses the theater, down on Beacon’s east end near Joe’s Irish Pub and La Mère Clothing and Goods, has been home to many businesses. According to the book Historic Beacon (pick up a copy in neighboring Beacon Bath & Bubble!), Warren S. Dibble, who purchased the hotel across the street (see our article on its major renovation a few years ago) in 1877, built a roller rink in this spot in 1884. When roller skating didn’t catch on as he had hoped, he built the Dibble Opera House by 1886. In it, he built a 1,300-seat hall, and according to the book, made “a high-class of entertainment to an appreciative public.” After that, according to Historic Beacon, the Beacon Theater was later constructed on the site. A well-known jazz bar, the Wonder Bar, also opened on the second floor of the theater.

The theater avoided being bulldozed during Urban Renewal, when many of what would have been historic buildings were demolished in Beacon and other nearby areas.

During that time, before the theater closed for good, the walls were painted purple by a church group who rented the space, then it was occupied by a storage company, and finally by a theater company, before moving into the hands of four partners who combined talents to rebuild the Beacon Theater, and open it to the public for movies and popcorn - with real butter. (!!)

Tickets… Get Your Tickets…

Behind the operation and curation of movies shown at the Beacon Theater is Story Screen, Beacon’s original traveling, pop-up movie theater experience. Story Screen shows already-run films. Originally, they set up the projector in local establishments like Oak Vino and More Good. Tapped as a partner in this project, Story Screen now has a permanent home in the Beacon Theater.

Hankering to see an old favorite on the big screen? Send them a request! Maybe they will play it. I’m going to ask for Working Girl. A first-run showing of a locally produced documentary from Ana Sofia Joanes, Wrestling With Ghosts, is playing now, and has already sold out some screenings.

Movie tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for kids, and sold on Fandango and at the Box Office [Updated 5/5/2019]. Movie times run all day 7 days a week (previously it was Thursday-Sunday, but is now 7 days). “As we get further along in our operation,” said Story Screen’s Brendan McAlpine, “we will also show first-run and indie films.”

[Update 5/5/2019: The first first-run movie the theater showed was Avengers: Endgame]. Movies currently in the lineup are already-run films, and include classics like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Moonlight, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Good Burger, Wrestling with Ghosts, Heathers, Cruel Intentions and Wall-E.

Check out which movies are playing on which weekends, see the Story Screen website and click on the row of dates above the listings.

Let’s Go To The Movies!

My little assistants and I happened to come at just the right time in between shows during the theater’s soft opening last weekend, so we were able to buy a tub of popcorn and Skittles (extra sour in the green bag) and get a tour.

Let’s go inside and look around!

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The theater is modernized with “incredible” sound, said Jason Schuler of Drink More Good, who is one of the Beacon Theater partners spearheading the food and drink experience. Some design elements were chosen to honor the time period of the original theater. Note the light sconces on the wall of the theater. According to Jason, the original sconces (pictured on the purple wall in a photo toward the bottom) were too far gone to completely restore, so they sought out a light that complemented the decor. The direction of the screen remains the same. People in the theater decades ago sat in the same direction to watch what was on the stage. Today, the building has two movie theaters that have stadium seating, and a third theater will be available for private rentals for various types of events.

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Pictured below is the theater after it was painted purple, with gold detail, decades ago by the church. Who could blame them for using this irresistible hue - I have painted a few rooms purple in my house!

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Photo Credit: The picture of the theater on the left is a screenshot from a photo published on AfterTheFinalCurtain.com.

The Bathroom

Impressively designed bathrooms have become a big deal nationwide, and Beacon is proving no exception. You have the Japanese-inspired wallpaper for the ladies at Quinn’s, the super-comfortable setting in the Roundhouse and Melzingah Tap House, the Beacon Public Library recently renovated theirs, and the bathroom at Billy Joe’s in Newburgh is impressive. There are others, but those are the first that come to mind. Add to the collection this beautiful wallpaper and experience for the ladies (see below) at the Beacon Theater. The lit sign for “Ladies Lounge” that hangs above the bathroom door is an original piece to the theater.

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Pictured here is one of the Beacon Theater partners, Scott Brenner. He is also a partner in Drink More Good.

When Can We Eat?

An eatery is slated to open in the adjoining space. The partners are calling it The Wonder Bar, inspired by the original jazz bar that operated from the second floor of this theater starting in the 1930s and had a good run. Pictured to the right is the original brick wall, with freshly painted lettering. The eatery will be on the other side of that wall, and a take-out window will be open for people who want to order from a special movie menu, to bring food into the theater.

At the concession stand, you will find commercial candy, as well as real buttered popcorn and soda from Drink More Good. Spearheading this whole project is Brendan McAlpine of McAlpine Development (formerly known as High View Development Corp.), who also owns Hudson Valley Marshmallow on the other end of Main Street (see our write-up here), who bakes the marshmallows in More Good’s commissary kitchen (located behind More Good’s tea shop).

Movie munchie options are looking good - either eat a tub of popcorn, or a bag of marshmallows. Or regular candy. And finish off with some of the best, most natural root beer (or other soda flavors) around.

To learn more about all of the partners, click here for our feature story covering the start of this in 2017.

See you at the movies!

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The Beacon Theater Opens - Movie Showtimes Are Posted

UPDATE 2/22/2019: A followup story has been published with pictures. See it here!

The movie mystery is over at the Beacon Theater! We couldn't translate these letters that were posted on their Insta, so we went down there to take a look, and saw the popcorn and candy concession stand! Showtimes have been posted, and it looks like they are running movies in the afternoon and evening!

There was already a screening of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure at 12:30 pm on Friday, and different flicks are on the schedule.

With The Underground Beacon located across the street, holding regular group board-game opportunities, this end of town is shaping up to be a hub for great entertainment!

More pictures to come after we buy our first ticket... 

New Shingle In Town On The Telephone Building

Look who got a new shingle! Our building, Beacon’s own Telephone Building, which was built in 1907 and restored almost a century later. A Little Beacon Blog’s office and venue space is located inside on the first floor, sharing the building with other great business tenants.

Owner and master gilder Deborah Bigelow has completed her renovations to this building, a project that has taken her many years. Yet you’ll always see her outside tinkering on something with the building, such as securing the food compost bin or cleaning marks from the limestone.

We are honored to be a part of her journey as a tenant, and also as her branding partner with the designing of her first website to showcase the building. A Little Beacon Blog’s sister design agency, Katie James Inc., designed her website so that you can learn about all the building and the work Deborah and her team put into it over the years: www.telephonebuildingbeacon.com.

Happening This Weekend - 2/15/2019

The movie mystery is over at the Beacon Theater! We couldn't translate these letters that were posted on their Insta, so we went down there to take a look, and saw the popcorn and candy concession stand! Showtimes have been posted, and it looks like they are running movies in the afternoon and evening! There was already a screening of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure at 12:30 pm today. With The Underground Beacon located across the street, holding regular group board-game opportunities, this end of town is shaping up to offer great entertainment! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   The Southern Dutchess Coalition 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration & Parade Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: See flier for schedule Location: Springfield Baptist Church, 8 Mattie Cooper Square, Beacon, NY Beginning with a breakfast before the parade, the day also includes a celebration dinner, essay contest winners/presentations. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Anthony Oliver. Information > Stony Kill's Winter on the Farm + Pancake Brunch Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: See below Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 10 am to noon: All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. On a farm. Need we say more? Ok, there is also: 11 am to 2 pm: Horse-drawn sleigh rides, barn tours, maple-tapping, demos, crafts Information > Concert: The Fred Zepplin Band Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > OPERAtion Opera: The Met Chorus Artists Come To Beacon Day: Sunday, February 17, 2019 Time: 3 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY According to the Beacon Free Press, one performer, Sara Heaton, is a Beaconite who is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus. She will perform with colleagues at this performance. The musical program is designed for children. The organizer of the event is Akiko Sasaki, a Beacon-based pianist and owner of Forte Piano Studio in Beacon. Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. Beacon Kaleidoscope Day: Sunday, February 17, 2019 Time: 9 sm to 5 pm Location: 201 Main St. (the Zora Dora location), Beacon, NY Sunday will be the last day for this winter pop-up. Look for 20% off all marked prices (except jewelry). This vendor occasionally pops up in the Beacon Flea, so mark your calendar for that spring/summer Sunday experience.       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company) CHAMPAGNE ALERT! Luxe Optique is celebrating Valentine's Day Weekend with a party to show you a new collection of oversized frames with strong lines, bold colors, and iconic designs from designer Emmanuelle Khanh. It's a revival of their 1972 collection. GIVEAWAY ALERT! For every Emmanuelle Khanh purchase, Luxe Optique will be giving away an authentic EK vegan leather handbag that's perfect for a night out or to slip your favorite pair of glasses into. See a picture here.     BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE   L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street Get your lovelies at L a M è r e! There's always new things to see in the shop. Right now: plenty of pink and hearts, like this "Crush On You Bralette." Favorites that will carry you into summer (and would make great gym flip-flops) are these heart flip-flops. Pink ones are in the shop, black ones are in the boutique and online. Visit the shop, or order online and enjoy free pickup! Or have it shipped to you (regular postage applies for actual shipping)!   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) Love is always in the air at Lambs Hill. ❤️ Looking for something a little different? Tea-length wedding dresses, like this frock from Sincerity Bridal, give you the opportunity to show off your super-cute shoes. Special Note: Voting is open for Hudson Valley Magazine Best of 2019! Voting ends Wednesday, March 20 - you don’t have to be local! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! L a M è r e Clothing + Goods, Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books and Lambs Hill.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!   Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       Pop-Up Card Workshop Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: Noon to 1 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Learn To Recover Like A Rockstar Workshop Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: 9:30 am to 10:45 am Location: Orca Empire Fitness, 1545 Route 52, Fishkill, NY Information > Loving Through Touch - A Thai Massage Playtouch for Couples Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm Location: Namastesis, 1065 Main St., Suite H, Fishkill, NY Information > Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.   Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, February 15, 2019 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Pokemon Day: Friday, February 15, 2019 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: The Underground Beacon, 462 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Button Making Day: Saturday, February 16, 2019 Time: 11 am to noon Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.    Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 33 East Street, Beacon, NY It's so nice when a home is move-in ready, and within walking distance to Barb's Butchery on the east end of town near the mountain, across the Fishkill Creek. Gate House has hit all the high notes on this one: “Beautiful and bright classic colonial home boasts four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Enter home through the welcoming enclosed front porch with original Douglas fir floor. This home was completely renovated and a second floor added within the last five years… Brand-new kitchen with plenty of cabinets - a place for everything; gorgeous granite countertops, new stainless appliances with five-burner gas range, and a beautiful maple and walnut basketweave floor.” PRICE: $519,000  BEDROOMS: 4  BATHROOMS: 3 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS PARTNER SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS     Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Antalek & Moore is happy to answer any of your questions at any time about your homeowners insurance. Not sure about snow removal or liability insurance? Or maybe you're expanding your business and need additional coverage for something new? The team at Antalek & Moore is ready to do that work for you! Call them: (845) 831-4300. Or visit them on Main Street next to Beacon Natural Market. Katie James, Inc. It is such a pleasure to announce the new website design for L a M è r e Clothing + Goods! Working with storefront owners to grow their opportunities online is our passion. This website uses Shopify under the hood and at the counter as well, and the design was art-directed by the store owner herself, April Perri, a former big-time fashion designer in the big label world. April can now add new inventory to her shop via the Shopify app as she unpacks it from boxes. We try to tailor the management experience of a website for each business owner, tapping into their strengths. For April, she's always working from her phone, so we trained her in updating her website from the app. If you have a project that needs some work, reach out and contact us. Visit The New Website > Tin Shingle Tin Shingle helps businesses get the word out by giving them ideas on what media outlets to pitch. Check out their live, free webinars on Wednesdays at 3 pm EST. Check It Out > BeaconArts :: Open Studios A Little Beacon Blog just signed on as a proud sponsor of Beacon Open Studios! We are thrilled to support this project, which offers an inside look at artists in Beacon. Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor! >         A Little Beacon Space A Little Beacon Blog's Space is available for private rentals for your meetings, workshops, client parties, or pop-ups. Located in the heart of Beacon at 291 Main Street (inside of the Telephone Building), meeting here is easy, cozy, and inspiring. $225 Half Day $385 Full Day $750 Pop-Up Shop Package See Pictures > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Work with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to throw a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony if you're new in town, or just opened. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and broadcast your business! Learn More > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Starting The Super-Fast Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Hunt

Starting the fastest Valentine’s Day Gift Guide we’ve ever produced: walking from one end of Main Street to the other. Theme: Paper.

And go!

Postbooks - Books To Be Mailed

Books meant to be mailed - better than a postcard, according to and available at Binnacle Books. We agree! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, #putastamponit!

Binnacle Books is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide, and helps make it possible for us to get the word out about everything local! Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! Click on the Guides + Calendars tabs above to get the Shopping Guide, and get the lowdown on all the shops in Beacon from one place.

A Little Beacon Blog Signs On As Sponsor For 2019 Beacon Open Studios

Beacon Open Studios was one of the first annual events I ever encountered in Beacon while out for a jog one day. It embodies one of the things that makes Beacon so easy to love - there is always something going on, and every day offers the chance to stumble across something magical.

That is why we are once again a proud sponsor of this year’s Beacon Open Studios. This is a chance for artists to open their homes or studios to the public, so that the public can see how the art gets made. In the past, this has been garages, sheds, apartments, offices, and other nontraditional venues of viewing art.

ARTISTS
Artists can register to participate by visiting the Beacon Open Studios website.

SPONSORS
Businesses and individuals can sponsor by clicking here and following the Donate button after you fill out the form. Just type in the sponsor dollar amount your are opting in for.

Sharon Lindenfeld - Copper Plate Printmaking at the Garrison Arts Center

Really enjoyed this read in the Highlands Current about the artist Sharon Lindenfeld’s process as a printmaker. She makes etchings on copper plates. Large ones. It’s very unusual for that medium to be so big, but according to the article, she “wanted people to feel surrounded by them.” She’ll sketch something into her notebook, and then do a process to enlarge it. She uses acetone to to transfer the lines onto the copper plate. There is more to the process when it comes to sending the copper plate through the press. Read all about it in Alison Rooney’s article. This was in last week’s newspaper, but the article is online now. Sharon is exhibiting now at the Garrison Arts Center.